Manchester Jazz Festival Manchester Jazz Festival

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15 May - 24 May 2026

Manchester, Greater Manchester, M22BE

Jazz

Join us for a spectacular journey into the heart of jazz at Manchester Jazz Festival 2026. The city welcomes music lovers from 15–24 May 2026 for a ten-day extravaganza celebrating the 30th anniversary of this beloved event. Dive into a vibrant world of live music as venues across Manchester light up with soulful performances. Whether you’re a longtime jazz enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this friendly festival offers an exciting, welcoming atmosphere. Gather with friends or make new ones in lively clubs, grand halls, and outdoor spaces all brimming with creativity and warmth. The Manchester Jazz Festival is more than a series of concerts – it’s a communal experience that transforms the city into a living jazz playground.

Explore a rich lineup that spans the full spectrum of jazz. Enjoy the swinging rhythms of big band ensembles, the intimate sounds of piano trios in candlelit rooms, and the soaring melodies of saxophones and trumpets. The festival highlights both renowned headliners and fresh talent, featuring celebrated international artists as well as local UK favourites. You’ll hear classic jazz standards reimagined alongside adventurous new compositions and fusion projects. No matter your taste, there’s something to move you – from upbeat Latin jazz to blues-infused swing and late-night experimental sets.

Beyond concerts, Manchester Jazz Festival offers interactive experiences for all ages. Engage with open jam sessions or drop in on daytime workshops to learn from skilled musicians. Families can bring children to fun, educational activities like drum circles, improvisation workshops, and junior concerts designed to spark a love of music. The festival unveils special projects and collaborations too. In this milestone 30th year, look forward to unique commissioned pieces and anniversary tributes that celebrate the festival’s legacy. Street musicians and pop-up sessions in public spaces add spontaneous charm, filling the city’s streets and squares with music for everyone to enjoy.

As night falls, Manchester’s nightlife buzzes with energy. Historic pubs, trendy bars, and cosy music lounges host late-night shows and jam sessions, ensuring the music carries on until dawn. Delicious street food stalls and charming cafes near venues serve up warm drinks and local fare, so you can mingle over British and international flavours between performances. The festival’s city-centre locations – from Victorian music halls to modern theatres – are easy to stroll between, making it effortless to catch multiple shows in one evening. Friendly festival staff and volunteers help keep the atmosphere warm and welcoming.

Springtime in Manchester is beautiful, with leafy parks and riverfront walks complementing the cultural buzz of the city. The Manchester Jazz Festival invites you to soak in both the music and the city’s lively creative scene. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience top-tier live jazz against the backdrop of Manchester’s dynamic urban landscape. Grab your tickets early to ensure you don’t miss the headliners and special projects. Mark your calendars for May 15–24, 2026, for what promises to be an inspiring, toe-tapping celebration. We can’t wait to share the joy of jazz with you!

Manchester is easily accessible by air and rail. Manchester Airport (MAN), a major international hub, lies about 13 km (8 miles) south of the city centre and offers direct flights around the globe. Frequent trains run between Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly Station in about 15–20 minutes, making it quick to reach the city after landing. Manchester’s main rail stations (Piccadilly and Oxford Road) connect to all parts of the UK: London can be reached in around 2 hours by high-speed train, and routes from cities like Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh arrive throughout the day. The city is also served by intercity coach lines (National Express, Megabus, etc.) at the coach station near Piccadilly Gardens.

By road, Manchester is well-connected. The M60 orbital motorway encircles the city and branches to the M6 (north toward the Lake District and Scotland, south toward the Midlands) and M62 (east to Leeds and the North East, west to Liverpool), as well as spurs to the M56 (heading southwest toward Chester, North Wales and Manchester Airport). Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, so allow extra travel time. Central Manchester has numerous public car parks (many are pay-and-display) and metered street parking, though spaces can fill up quickly.

Getting around Manchester itself is straightforward. The Metrolink tram network links key areas – central stops like Piccadilly, Victoria, St Peter’s Square and Deansgate connect to suburbs including Salford Quays (MediaCity), Altrincham and Bury. An extensive bus network covers the rest of the city; some inner-city routes even offer free rides on Bee Network shuttles. Contactless payment and day-pass tickets work across both trams and buses, making hop-on-hop-off travel simple. The city centre is compact, so many festival venues are within walking distance of each other, and local taxis or bike rentals are also available.

Accommodation in Manchester ranges from luxury hotels and serviced apartments to friendly guesthouses, cosy B&Bs and hostels. Many visitors stay in the city centre (areas like Spinningfields, Deansgate or the Northern Quarter) for easy access to dining and nightlife. For a more residential feel, consider neighbourhoods such as Didsbury, Chorlton or Sale, which have charming lodgings and are a short tram or taxi ride into town. During busy times, including festival season, it’s wise to book your stay in advance to ensure you get the best rates and location.

Manchester, Greater Manchester, M22BE

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